Finding the perfect smartphone in today’s world has become a daunting task, especially as industry standards dictate their rules: Screens become huge and bezels disappear, turning even 6-inch devices into shovels that are physically difficult to hold with one hand. Many users wonder: which Xiaomi phone is the smallest to regain the comfort of use without sacrificing performance?
Xiaomi has been experimenting with form factors for years, producing devices that could be called truly compact. However, in recent years, the trend has shifted to larger diagonals, and finding a truly miniature model is becoming increasingly difficult. In this article, we will take a closer look at the evolution of size, compare the sizes of different generations, and determine the absolute leader in compactness.
It's important to understand that "small" is a relative concept, and for some people it's a screen diagonal of up to 5 inches, and for others it's the total front area or the thickness of the case, and we're going to analyze not only the dry spec numbers, but also the subjective experience of use, which is often crucial when choosing a gadget for everyday life.
The evolution of compactness: from the Mi era to modern flagships
Xiaomi’s search for the smallest phone dates back to the early Mi series. Back then, 4.7 or 5 inches were considered the standard, and devices like the Mi 2 or Mi 3 seemed quite large. However, with the release of the Mi 4 and especially the Mi 5, the company began to actively introduce ergonomic curved glass, which visually and tactilely reduced the perceived size of the smartphone.
The peak of this evolution was the Mi 6 and Mi 8 series, which at diagonals of 5.15 and 5.88 inches, respectively, had very narrow bodies. Xiaomi engineers learned to pack powerful iron into minimal dimensions using frameless technology, which allowed to maintain high functionality without turning the phone into an uncomfortable “brick”.
With the release of the Mi 9 series and subsequent flagships of the Mi 11 lineup, the trend changed: screens began to grow, reaching 6.39 and even 6.55 inches, and the cases became wider.However, even in these conditions, some models, such as the Mi 9 SE or Mi 11X, tried to keep the balance, offering reduced versions of flagships for those who value portability above giant displays.
Modern devices like the Xiaomi 13 or 14 are once again returning to more comfortable ergonomics, offering flat screens and straight faces, making their grip more confident despite the formally larger diagonal compared to the models five years ago.
The absolute leader: Xiaomi Mi 5 and its unique position
If you answer the question “which Xiaomi phone is the smallest” in terms of physical dimensions of the body, then the absolute champion remains Xiaomi Mi 5. This smartphone, released back in 2016, still has no equal in the history of the brand in terms of combining miniature and flagship characteristics of the time.
The dimensions of the device are only 144.6 x 69.2 x 7.25 mm. For comparison, modern "compact" flagships are often wider and higher. The screen of 5.15 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels seemed optimal, and curved 3D-The glass created the illusion of a smaller size in the hand.
⚠️ Note: Buying the Xiaomi Mi 5 today should be aware that this device is morally and technically obsolete.The lack of Android updates, a weak battery by modern standards and compatibility issues of modern applications make it unsuitable for a main SIM card in 2026.
However, the collectible value and status of Xiaomi’s smallest full-fledged smartphone behind the Mi 5 are firmly anchored.Its design was revolutionary for its time, and the use of glass and metal set the tone for several years ahead.In narrow palms, this phone feels like an extension of the hand, without requiring interception when typing.
Also worth noting is the Mi 5s, which was slightly thicker but kept the same dimensions. Both devices represent the pinnacle of the compact android era, when manufacturers had not yet started the race for the maximum diagonal at all costs.
Hidden Champion: Xiaomi Mi 8 SE era AMOLED-compact
If you discard the old models and look for an answer among more modern devices with current OS, then the palm of the championship is intercepted by Xiaomi Mi 8. SE. This smartphone was the company’s response to the requests of users who wanted to get a modern AMOLED-screen and fast work, but were not ready to put up with the dimensions of the older brother Mi 8.
The body size of the Mi 8 SE is 147.3 x 73.1 x 7.5 mm. Although it is slightly larger than the Mi 5, the use of the AMOLED matrix made the frames minimal, and the screen itself bright and contrasting. Diagonal of 5.88 inches with an aspect ratio of 18:9 provided excellent ergonomics.
The uniqueness of this model was the Snapdragon 710 processor, which was more powerful than many of its competitors’ flagships at the time of its release, but it was less warm and consumed energy, making the Mi 8 SE the perfect “pocket” gaming device.
💡
Note the aspect ratio. A 6-inch smartphone with an 18:9 or 20:9 ratio will be narrower and more comfortable in hand than an old 5.5-inch phone with a 16:9 ratio.
Today, finding a new Mi 8 SE is almost impossible, but in the secondary market it is one of the best options for those looking for a small Xiaomi phone with support for modern versions of Android (via custom firmware) and NFC.
Modern alternative: Xiaomi 13 and 14 series
In 2023-2026, Xiaomi again turned its attention to the compact flagship segment, releasing the basic versions of Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14. Although formally their screens are large (6.36 inches), thanks to the thinnest frames and flat design, they feel very compact.
The Xiaomi 13’s body is only 71.5mm wide, comparable to the iPhone 13/14.This makes it the brand’s narrowest modern smartphone.Using curved edges of the rear (in some versions) or flat faces (in Pro versions) affects the perception of size.
The main advantage of these models is the presence of top-end hardware. Unlike the Mi 5 or Mi 8 SE, here you get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Gen 3 processor, excellent Leica cameras and fast charging. These are full-fledged flagships in a comfortable body.
| Model | Screen diagonal | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 5 | 5.15" | 69.2 | 144.6 | 129 |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 SE | 5.88" | 73.1 | 147.3 | 164 |
| Xiaomi 13 | 6.36" | 71.5 | 152.8 | 185 |
| Xiaomi 14 | 6.36" | 71.5 | 152.8 | 193 |
As the table shows, the Xiaomi 13/14 is wider than the legendary Mi 5, but they are significantly narrower than most competitors with 6.7-inch screens.For the modern user, this is perhaps the best compromise between size and functionality.
Budget Segment: Are There Small Redmis?
When it comes to the Redmi brand, the situation with compactness is not so clear: the bulk of budget models, such as the Redmi Note or the basic Redmi (digital series), focused on the maximum screen for minimal money.
However, it is worth paying attention to the Redmi K20 series (known globally as the Mi 9T). Despite the huge screen of 6.39 inches, thanks to the lack of cutouts and the camera slider, the useful area of the case was used as efficiently as possible.
A more interesting candidate was the Redmi Pro or older models like the Redmi 4X with a 5-inch screen, but in 2026, it only makes sense to look for them as a second caller.
⚠️ Note: Don't confuse compactness with lightness. Budget phones often have plastic cases that can be lightweight, but their dimensions still remain large due to the thick bezels around the display.
If you’re looking for a small phone in the Redmi lineup, you’ll likely have to look towards older models or consider devices labeled Global Version, which sometimes have slightly different dimensions from Chinese counterparts, although this is more of an exception.
Why did Xiaomi give up on small phones?
Comparative analysis: what is more important - diagonal or width?
When choosing the smallest Xiaomi phone, many people mistakenly focus only on the diagonal of the screen. However, for ergonomics, the width of the case is critical, and this parameter determines whether you can comfortably type with the thumb of one hand.
Narrow smartphones, such as the Mi 5 or Xiaomi 13, feel much more compact than the wide “shovels” even with a smaller diagonal, but with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Modern elongated screens allow you to maintain a comfortable width, increasing the height, which is not always critical for carrying in your pocket.
Also worth considering is weight. A small phone doesn't have to be heavy. The Mi 5 weighed 129 grams, which is the benchmark for lightness. Modern flagships like the Xiaomi 14 weigh about 193 grams, which is already palpable, but acceptable for a device with a metal frame and glass.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a compact Xiaomi
It's also important to pay attention to the rounding of corners. Sharp edges, like the Redmi Note of the past, can get in the palm of your hand, creating discomfort. The round shapes of the Mi series have always been more friendly to the user's hand.
Practical advice on selection and use
If you're determined to find the smallest Xiaomi phone, you'll have to make trade-offs: either it's an old but perfectly compact device, or it's a modern one, but a little larger.
Remember, the cases add dimensions. For compact phones, there are special thin polycarbonate or leather cases that minimize the thickness and width, and using massive shock-proof cases will negate all the benefits of a small case.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used compact smartphone, pay special attention to the state of the battery. In small cases, the degradation of the battery is more noticeable, and it is more difficult to replace it due to the dense layout.
It's also worth checking out support for frequency bands if you're buying a Chinese version (CN Version).Small Chinese smartphones are often stripped of some global 4G/5G frequencies, which can lead to poor signal reception in your region.
💡
The smallest phone Xiaomi in physical dimensions is the Mi 5, but the most optimal modern compact flagship – Xiaomi 13/14.